As seniors age, it becomes increasingly important to properly manage their physical and mental health. Doing so can go a long way in preventing chronic diseases and significant health problems from developing over time. Seniors with health issues may also see an impact on their vision and eye health if they don’t manage their well-being consistently. For example, diseases such as diabetes or hypertension can start to impact senior vision if left unchecked.
Thankfully, there are many things that seniors can do to protect their eyes and ensure their vision is as sharp as possible. Keep reading to learn more about beneficial actions seniors can take to preserve their eye health!
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Scheduling an annual exam is one of the most important things seniors can do to protect their eyes. This is because eye care professionals, such as ophthalmologists or optometrists, know how to detect potential problems and treat them before serious eye conditions develop. Seniors should come prepared with a list of concerns they may have about their vision and be ready to answer questions about their current health and medications.
Fortunately, common eye diseases are easier to treat these days and can be treated before they cause vision loss. Eye care professionals can also help with less serious issues such as light sensitivity, dry eyes, or blocked tear ducts. Seniors with diabetes or high blood pressure can also receive guidance on how to prevent these conditions from impacting their eye health and vision.
Establish a Healthy Sleep Routine
Sleep is very important for eye health as it helps seniors clean out any irritants such as dust, allergens, or smoke that may have impacted the eyes during the day. Overnight, our eyes can stay lubricated while we sleep, promote the production of tears, and heal for hours at a time. Healthy sleep schedules can make it less likely for seniors to develop dry or itchy eyes and conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Seniors can establish a regular sleep routine to ensure they are receiving consistent and quality rest at night. By ensuring that their eyes are well-rested, seniors can help their vision function at an optimal level and ease their daily lives.
Reduce the Risk of Eye Injury
For seniors, the risk of falling at home or elsewhere tends to increase over time. Sometimes, falling can lead to eye injuries as well. To reduce the risk of injury to the eyes, there are some steps that seniors can take to protect themselves at home, such as:
- Using slip-proof mats in the shower or bath
- Removing small rugs that could be tripped over while walking
- Ensuring stair railings are secure and sturdy to hold
- Cushioning sharp corners on furniture and fixtures at home
- Installing bright lighting to make it easier to see
Eat Foods that Support Senior Eye Health
Eating the right food can also help seniors boost their eye health and vision. For example, eye-friendly nutrients such as lutein, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc all help reduce the risk of serious eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts are some of the wonderful sources of these nutrients.
Here are some great foods for senior eye health:
- Kale, spinach, and collard greens
- Salmon
- Beans and legumes
- Eggs
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great things that seniors can do to promote eye health and maintain their vision. Getting regular eye check-ups is very important and can make it more likely to detect and treat potential eye problems early. Getting enough sleep also helps our eyes heal and rest after working all day.
Taking steps to reduce the risk of eye injury at home is another smart step that seniors can take to protect their eyes from preventable damage. Additionally, eating nutrient-dense foods that make it easier for the eyes to heal and work properly is a great way for seniors to keep their vision healthy.
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